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Tuesday, June 30, 2015

The Public Breastfeeding Debate

There is huge debate, mostly among women, about the whole topic of breastfeeding in public. Even those women how have never had a child judge other women for feeding in public. But before I get into my opinion I am going to give you some background about me.

I have breastfed and am currently breastfeeding both of my children. Benson I choose to stop around 8 months because I wanted my body back. He was only waking up once a night by this point and I was just exhausted and wanted to sleep too. Plus I was getting 10 oz every 5 hours and I was done feeling like a diary cow. Marlee is 9 months and we are still breastfeeding. We are still going because formula is too expensive and we just can't afford it right now and she still gets up 3 to 5 times a night so this is how I get her to pass back out. I am definitely one of those people who think everyone should try but I would never push that upon anyone. Instead if someone says they are going to breastfeed then I offer them as much help, support and guidance as I can. If someone says they are going to formula feed then I tell them about the programs that similac or enfamil has were you can sign up and get free samples and coupons off of formula. I do not judge because breastfeeding isn't for everyone, so I try to help with any advice I can about both ways of feeding and being knowledgeable.Women are the ones that judge each other and look down on others. If we supported every women's decision about what is best for them and their family then there wouldn't be such thing as the "mommy wars."

Breastfeeding in public, I used to be the person that said " OMG I don't want to see that. Why can't she just cover up!" Well that all changed once I had my own children. Though I have never really breastfed in public I do not judge anymore. I always usually pack a boob milk bottle or we really just don't get out much. Anyway, my son did not mind being covered up but Marlee how every will rip it off as soon as I put it on her! She absolutely hates it! My personal opinion about the topic is I understand if you cant cover up. If you can awesome, if you can't awesome! There is no reason to say " she should go to the restroom and feed her baby!" Umm... hello that is gross! Would you want to eat in a nasty public bathroom.. NO!! The way I see it is, if you are offended by it then don't look! But it is no reason to get upset or mad or judge someone else. If their baby is hungry then they have to feed them, it is that simple. All I ask people is don't judge because it isn't your place. We all should educate and support each other, instead of bashing one another. If it is about "I don't want my children to see that." Then you simply tell your children, "That mommy is feeding her baby, so let her eat in peace without you looking please!" There you go! A nice way of educating your children and teaching them to have manners.

I just think there is already enough hate and ugliness in this world without judging a woman on how she feeds her baby. Again no matter if it is breastfeeding or formula feeding no way is wrong or better! They are both right because they are right for that family!

I will definitely read this! Yes people dont understand unless they have kids but even if they chose not to breastfeed they still have not right to judge those who do because they dont want to be judged for not.

I don't understand the debate at all, personally. If a person is uncomfortable, they have the right and ability to look away. A baby feeding is a beautiful thing. Don't stare, but don't make a mother feel uncomfortable for caring for her precious child.

I don't really understand the debate either. We all have the choice to venture out to public places or not. If you aren't comfortable stumbling into other people's activities, then you shouldn't go in public. :) I don't want to see someone hawk a loogey (sp?!), but I have no right to tell them not to!

OMG you are so right! lol! My husband is terrible for that and I want to punch him every time haha! It just amazes me what I see people post on facebook and talk about at work. It always comes up because I have to take 10 minutes to go pump, so all those young girls get talking. So annoying when they have no idea what they are talking about.